The points of issue
First edition, first printing: Houghton Mifflin, 1958, with 'First Printing' stated on the copyright page (Houghton convention). Original cloth and first-issue dust jacket with price. Later revised editions (1969, 1976, 1984) altered the text and are not the first.
Is this the true first?
US Houghton Mifflin 1958 is the true first, preceding the UK Hamish Hamilton edition. Revised editions are common and textually distinct; only the 1958 'First Printing' is the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack the 'First Printing' line, have a blind board indentation, and carry unpriced jackets. Revised-edition reprints state their revision on the title/copyright page.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Affluent Society a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition, first printing: Houghton Mifflin, 1958, with 'First Printing' stated on the copyright page (Houghton convention). Original cloth and first-issue dust jacket with price. Later revised editions (1969, 1976, 1984) altered the text and are not the first.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Houghton Mifflin 1958 is the true first, preceding the UK Hamish Hamilton edition. Revised editions are common and textually distinct; only the 1958 'First Printing' is the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions lack the 'First Printing' line, have a blind board indentation, and carry unpriced jackets. Revised-edition reprints state their revision on the title/copyright page.
I have a first edition of The Affluent Society — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.